Mike Benkovich is a former Microsoft evangelist who has
spent his career helping developers explore and apply new
technologies to solving information challenges.
His website www.benkotips.com provides developers with resources
to get started and work with technologies including cloud,
data and devices. Follow him on twitter @mbenko.

Benko Blog

How to record a UI Test on Android with Xamarin tools

Posted 7/10/2017 by Admin

I had a question today about how the recorder works for with the Xamarin Tools in Visual Studio 2017. I’ve had mixed success with getting it to work, so I thought I’d document the steps that make it work. The trick is you need to be running a version of the APK that is not using the shared runtime (a default when you do a debug build). For that reason I use the release build to record the test. Here’s the basic flow:

1. Create new cross platform project with the blank template2. Build & run it on my device (first in debug but then again in release)3. add the UI Test project to the solution4. In the Android project show all files and navigate to the bin/release folder and copy the path5. In the Test.cs file at the top of the class near the [TestFixture(Platform.Android)] line click on record new test and then select the APK - make sure to put in the path of the signed release version of the apk6. Wait until you notice the app running on the device7. When you tap the screen, swipe left or right you'll see the [Test] method NewTest() gets new code added to it.

Re-BUILD 2017, bringing the best of BUILD conference to cities near you

Posted 5/14/2017 by Admin

The “re-BUILD 2017 Roadshow” brings the best of the Build conference to cities across the US. A half day developer focused event in partnership with User Groups and Microsoft Partners will deliver a half day msdn-event style experience. There will be 3 sessions on Build Highlights, Going Serverless with Azure Functions, and Mobile Center, the next generation of HockeyApp. A HackFest over lunch will cover ad-hoc topics by community leaders and MVP’s to share their favorite thing from Build.